Did you know the only place in the entire UK where you can see a koala is Edinburgh Zoo? That’s right! If you're keen to learn about Edinburgh Zoo koalas, this is the perfect destination. Whether you’re a family of wildlife lovers or you’ve simply always wanted to come face-to-face with one of Australia’s most iconic animals, Edinburgh is the place to be.
TL;DR: Edinburgh Zoo is home to two Queensland koalas, Talara and Myaree, the only koalas in the UK. Tickets start from £17 for children and £26.50 for adults. The zoo is open every day except Christmas Day, with Koala Territory having restricted opening times (ask on arrival). For the ultimate close-up, the VIP Wild Experience starts from £1,000 per adult.
Home to Talara and Myaree, Edinburgh Zoo offers something truly one-of-a-kind on the UK days out scene. These fluffy marsupials are a bucket-list encounter for kids and grown-ups alike, and in 2026 there’s never been a better reason to plan a trip to Scotland’s capital.
Read on for everything you need to know before you visit, from opening times and ticket prices to the VIP experience that gets you even closer to these incredible animals!
Meet Talara and Myaree: The UK’s Only Koalas
Edinburgh Zoo is home to two Queensland koalas, Talara and Myaree. They hold a genuinely unique title: the only Queensland koalas in the United Kingdom. You won’t find koalas anywhere else in Britain, which makes spotting them at Edinburgh Zoo a very special moment indeed!
Queensland koalas are actually the smallest of the three koala subspecies, native to the warm, subtropical forests of north-east Australia. Don’t let their small size fool you, though. These little creatures are fascinating in every way.
Fun Koala Facts for Kids (and Adults!)
- Koalas sleep for 18 to 22 hours a day thanks to their incredibly low-energy diet of eucalyptus leaves
- Eucalyptus is toxic to most animals, but koalas have a highly specialised digestive system that lets them eat it safely
- Despite their cuddly, bear-like appearance, koalas are marsupials, not bears. Like kangaroos, they raise their young in a pouch!
- They are the only animal on earth that eats eucalyptus as their primary food source
- Queensland koalas are listed as a species of concern, making the zoo’s conservation work all the more important
Bear with us here! Koalas might spend most of their time snoozing, but catching them during an active moment is one of the most magical wildlife experiences you can have in the UK. Patience is definitely rewarded!
The koalas at Edinburgh Zoo also serve as brilliant ambassadors for their wild cousins in Australia, helping hundreds of thousands of visitors each year connect with nature and understand the conservation challenges facing koala populations in the wild. Edinburgh Zoo is run by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), a wildlife conservation charity working to protect species across the globe.
Edinburgh Zoo Opening Times 2026
Open every day of the year, with just one exception: Christmas Day (25 December). Here’s what you need to know before you head out!
| Time of Year | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| January – February | 10am – 4pm |
| March | 10am – 5pm |
| April – September | 10am – 6pm |
| October | 10am – 5pm |
| November – December | 10am – 4pm |
| Christmas Day | Closed |
Please note: Last entry to the zoo is one hour before closing time. Some areas, including Koala Territory, have restricted opening times. We’d recommend asking on arrival for the latest details so you don’t miss your chance to see Talara and Myaree!
Tips for Timing Your Visit
- Visit in the morning when animals tend to be most active. Koalas sleep up to 22 hours a day, so earlier is often better for catching them awake!
- April to September gives you the most time to explore, with the zoo open until 6pm.
- Edinburgh Zoo sits on a hillside, so wear comfortable shoes and allow a good 4 to 5 hours for a full visit.
Edinburgh Zoo Ticket Prices 2026
Tickets must be prebooked in advance and include an optional donation to the RZSS’s conservation work. Booking ahead also gets you the best prices!
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Child (aged 3–15) | £17.00 |
| Adult (aged 16+) | £26.50 |
| Concession | £24.00 (or £21.50 without donation) |
| Under 3s | Free |
You can book your Edinburgh Zoo tickets through Day Out With The Kids for a straightforward, family-friendly booking experience.
Top tip: If you’re planning to visit more than once, an RZSS membership gives you unlimited entry, fast-track access through the members gate, and discounts in the zoo’s shops and restaurants. Brilliant value for families who love a wildlife day out!
The VIP Wild Experience: Get Even Closer to the Koalas
Want to take your koala encounter to the next level? Edinburgh Zoo’s Build Your Own Wild Experience is the ultimate VIP day out for serious animal lovers!
This bespoke, entirely private experience lets you choose encounters with at least four incredible animals, with the Queensland koalas and red pandas among the most popular choices. It’s not just a visit; it’s a fully guided, behind-the-scenes adventure where you’ll get up close, offer the animals a tasty treat, and hear incredible stories from the keepers about animal care and conservation.
What’s Included?
- Guaranteed private access to at least four animal encounters, including the koalas
- A tea and coffee break during your visit
- A delicious lunch at one of the zoo’s on-site restaurants
- A keepsake experience bag to remember your wild day
Upgrade Options
Feeling extra special? You can upgrade your experience with:
- Public or private afternoon tea
- A private two-course lunch
- A private champagne upgrade
Wild Experience Pricing
| Participant | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (16+) | £1,000 |
| Child | £500 |
Additional participants can be added at the same rates. Please note there must be a minimum of one adult per booking, and certain species may be restricted depending on the ages of participants.
To enquire and book, contact the team at groups@rzss.org.uk. Availability is limited, so it’s worth getting in touch early, especially if you’re planning around school holidays!
Think this is beyond your budget? The standard zoo visit still gives you a wonderful view of Talara and Myaree in their Koala Territory habitat. It’s a pretty amazing experience in its own right!
What Else Can You See at Edinburgh Zoo?
The koalas are the star attraction, but Edinburgh Zoo has so much more to offer! Spread across 82 acres of beautiful wooded hillside, with stunning views over Edinburgh, the zoo is home to over 2,500 animals from around the world.
Here are some other must-see animals to add to your visit plan:
- Red pandas – another rare and adorable favourite, also available as part of the VIP Wild Experience
- Sumatran tigers – majestic big cats and one of the world’s most endangered species
- Pygmy hippos – surprisingly tiny and utterly charming
- Chimpanzees – brilliant to watch and full of personality
- Giant anteaters – genuinely unlike anything else you’ll see on a UK day out
- Swamp wallabies – perfect companions to the koalas for an Aussie wildlife feel!
It’s a popular destination for a reason! Edinburgh Zoo consistently rates as one of the best family days out in Scotland, with a typical visit taking around 4 to 5 hours. There’s plenty to keep everyone entertained, from keeper talks to on-site restaurants and a gift shop.
If you’re planning a wider trip to the city, check out our guide to the best things to do in Edinburgh with children for even more family-friendly inspiration!
Getting to Edinburgh Zoo
Edinburgh Zoo is located at 134 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh, EH12 6TS, on the western edge of the city.
By Bus
Several bus routes stop near the zoo, making it easy to reach without a car:
- Lothian services: 12, 26, 31
- Citylink services: 900, 909, 904
By Train
The two closest train stations are Edinburgh Waverley and Edinburgh Haymarket. From either, you can hop on one of the bus routes above to reach the zoo.
By Car
The zoo has on-site parking. Bear in mind it sits on a hillside, so comfortable footwear is a must once you’re inside!
Please note: Dogs are not permitted inside Edinburgh Zoo (assistance dogs excepted), as they can cause stress to some of the animals.
Ready to Meet the UK’s Only Koalas?
There’s simply nowhere else in the UK where you can look a koala in the eye, and that makes a trip to Edinburgh Zoo genuinely unforgettable. Whether you’re watching Talara and Myaree doze in their eucalyptus trees or splashing out on the full VIP Wild Experience, it’s a day out the whole family will be talking about for years.
Book your Edinburgh Zoo tickets today through Day Out With The Kids and get ready for the wildest day out in Scotland!